Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2

by Christina Smith

  I heard a tapping sound from a distance, and with my heightened vision, I could see a red and blue woodpecker pecking an oak tree about fifty feet from where I lay. Would I ever get used to these extra senses? It was even harder to understand when it was Nate that put me in this position. I focused once more on the sky above me, trying to clear all thoughts from my head. Just for a moment, I wanted to forget that I was a werewolf and was engaged to the werewolf who turned me into this… thing. Just for a moment, I wanted to stop replaying my horrific experience on that island with Lauren as five werewolves tried to eat me for dinner. The memory was so surreal and hard to believe now that I was back in my natural reality. Who was I, Little Red Riding Hood?

  A year ago, my life was so normal. I was the clichéd popular, rich girl hanging out with the rest of the popular crowd. I wanted something different, but not this.

  And I was back to thinking too much. Close your mind and concentrate on the clouds, I told myself. A long thin strip of white floated above me; it looked so much like cotton I could feel the soft texture on my fingers. Behind it was a big clump of what looked like an ice cream cone. I was thinking so hard I could almost taste the sweet cold cream in my mouth and the bitter salty taste of my favorite flavor, maple walnut. My mouth began to water. I was actually happy that my body reacted that way to normal food. After I lost control over the bacon this morning with my eyes turning color, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to eat regular food. I pictured myself eating raw steaks for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, drool pooled in my mouth at that thought as well. At least I could enjoy ice cream too. I should have known that—Nate ate everything I did. I was just so consumed with hating what I had become that I worried that everything I loved about my previous life would change. I’d have to find a way to combine my new werewolf side with the old me, or I’d go crazy. I just didn’t know how to make it a reality. I knew that Nate would love to teach me everything I needed to know, but I shoved the thought to the back of my mind. I needed distance from him right now. I’d figure it out on my own.

  The clouds floated by, leaving only the clear blue sky. While I waited for the white stuff, I listened to the birds chirp. After about a half hour of this, I felt my eyelids droop.

  The feeling of being watched made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I jerked to a sitting position and rubbed my eyes, feeling strange and exposed for falling asleep out in the open. The scent of werewolf entered my nostrils, but disappeared before I could smell the person that belonged to it. I stood up on shaky legs and took a few steps toward the tree line of the forest. It sprawled out before me at the edge of the flat rock. I gazed into the woods, but all I could see were the trees, leaves, and bushes swaying in the wind. The only scents I could smell now all belonged to nature, and a rotten apple about twenty feet away. Whoever was watching me was now gone. I wondered if it was Nate. I had heard my phone go off in my car but chose to ignore it. I needed time to myself, and whoever was calling needed to understand that.

  Just in case it was something important, I wandered back to my car and was shocked to see that I had been here for hours. I grabbed my phone and went back to my spot on the cliff, not ready to get back to reality. There were five missed calls, all from Lauren.

  “Hey, Meg, where are you? You looked really upset, should you be driving?” I deleted the voice message and moved to the next one. “Meg, answer the damn phone. I want to know if you’re okay.” I felt a stab of guilt. I really hadn’t meant for her to worry. Again I erased it and played the next. “Hello? Please call me. We can’t find Nate, and now it’s just me and Joe here, and he wants to talk. Call me!”

  Her voice was getting agitated in the next one. “Oh my god, why aren’t you answering? My dad showed up, and I told him I was fine, but I wanted to stay with you guys for a few days. I can’t tell him I’m a werewolf yet.”

  I paused and took a deep breath before I listened to the next one, wondering why Nate hadn’t called. “Meg. Where are you? Are you with Nate? He’s not back yet, and his car is here. His ripped clothes are at the edge of the trees. I’m getting worried about the both of you.” Well that answered that question; he couldn’t call when he didn’t have opposable thumbs.

  I still didn’t want to talk to anyone, so I texted Lauren instead. Just need some space, call you later.

  I hit send and then shoved the phone into the waist of my yoga pants. I was still wearing the big t-shirt I wore to bed. I hadn’t had a chance to brush my teeth or put makeup on. I must look fantastic.

  Two hours later, my skin was red from the frigid weather, and it was getting dark. I needed to get out of the cold, but I didn’t know where to go. I just knew I wasn’t ready to go back to the cottage.

  Without a destination, I climbed into my car and drove aimlessly. I was surprised where I ended up. It was fully dark now, and without looking at my phone, I had no idea what time it was.

  With a quick look around, I snuck into the patio door.

  My old room was just how I left it, except with a violet duvet covering the bed instead of my baby blue one. Right when I lay down on top of the mattress, I heard my phone buzz. It was a text from Lauren. Nate’s back, but he doesn’t look good. He wants to talk to you. When are you coming home?

  How could I tell her my plans when I didn’t know them myself? I lay back on my pillow and sighed, then typed in a message. I don’t know when I’m coming back. But it won’t be tonight. I need time.

  I hit send, and waited for her to respond. My phone beeped about five minutes later, but it wasn’t from Lauren, it was Nate. Are you leaving me?

  Tears stung my eyes, and my heart squeezed tight at the sight of his question. Could I leave him? Is that what I wanted? He turned me into a werewolf without my knowledge. Mistake or not, it equaled the same outcome.

  Before I could come up with an answer, my phone beeped again. Because if you are, I understand. I know you must hate me. I hate myself for what I did to you. There are no words to express how sorry I am.

  The tears were flowing now, and my chest burned with my sobs. I turned my face into my pillow so I wouldn’t alert anyone that I was home. I wasn’t ready to see them. I would wait for Mona and Ben to go back to their house and then sneak into the kitchen. I was starving. I knew I wouldn’t run into my parents because they had taken yet another trip, this time to Maui. They’d be gone for a few weeks yet.

  Once the sobs subsided, I typed in the only message I could. I have no answers. Just give me time.

  My phone was silent for a few minutes; all I could hear was Mona in the kitchen, moving around, and the clanging of dishes.

  Take all the time you need, just don’t forget to eat. Are you somewhere safe?

  Was there anyone more understanding than my boyfriend? I basically told him I wasn’t sure about our relationship and instead of getting upset, he worries about me. It was hard to ignore this loving, caring man. I quickly typed my answer. I’m safe, and yes, I’ll eat.

  Love you.

  My fingers hovered above my phone after his last text. I was confused. Until I figured out how I felt about what he’d done, I couldn’t respond. I needed time to myself, and for the first time in my life, I was thankful for my absent, distant parents.

  I leaned back against my headboard and scrolled through my phone, finding six missed texts. That wasn’t bad, considering I’d been gone for two days. Three were from Julia and the rest were from the executor of my inheritance telling me the deal to the house was done. I didn’t need to sign anything; he had authority over my accounts.

  I sighed happily. I had forgotten all about the house and how excited I had been about it. It had only been a few days, but it felt more like years. I texted him back telling him I was sorry for not getting back to him right away and that I was out of town. I thanked him for taking care of it for me. Even though I had so many other things to think about, I couldn’t help imagine the shelter with the addition. It would help so many people.

  For
the next hour, I sat on my bed and watched movies with the sound on low. And right in the middle of one of my favorites, the front door closed, and the house fell into silence. Mona and Ben were gone.

  I rushed to the kitchen feeling famished. I could eat a horse if one was near; the wolf inside me woke up at the thought. I gagged at the reaction.

  Thankfully, the fridge was still full of food. Mona kept it stocked even when my parents were away because they were known to come home unexpectedly. And my mother hated when the fridge was bare. I opened a large container and was pleased to find Mona’s beef stew. It had been a while since I’ve tasted it. Well, I hadn’t really eaten her meals in six months. She had Nate and me over a few times as guests, which was strange to visit my own house. As the stew warmed up in the microwave, my mind wandered to the night we were invited over by my parents.

  I was nervous, but of course, Nate wasn’t. He was always so calm and under control—until two nights ago. My parents had no reaction to me moving out. All they were concerned about was what Nate did for a living. When they found out he stopped working at the charity and began working for the Rileys, they actually smiled. The Rileys were one of the founding families in our town, and his working for them meant he would be high in the social circles. I wondered how they’d react if they knew he was actually an original member of that Riley family. We still called him Nate Green in public. It was the name he used to distance himself from his family. It was the name he used when he met me.

  The evening hadn’t turned out too terrible. My mother only embarrassed me once. And my father, who was usually condescending, was as cordial as he could be, although we haven’t been asked back since.

  The microwave beeped, bringing me out of those thoughts. I pulled out the steaming bowl and took a big whiff of the delectable smell. Mmmm. I missed Mona’s cooking. Nate was a very good cook, but I had been eating Mona’s food my whole life. If I was honest with myself, it wasn’t the food, but the woman I missed. I hopped up on the island stool and took a bite. It was so good. The vegetables were cooked to perfection; the beef was flavorful and delicious, and the gravy was mouth-watering. I was surprised at my reaction; I swear my eyes rolled back in my head in ecstasy. It must be the werewolf in me. I didn’t remember reacting quite so dramatically to food before. Sure I liked it, who didn’t? But this was something different. I hoped my eyes were still green. I didn’t feel a change in them, but you never know. It was a good thing I was alone in the house.

  I was almost finished my stew when the kitchen door swung open. Ben stood in the doorway, with a golf club raised above his head. Mona stood behind him with her hands clutched at her chin.

  I had heard footsteps on the walkway outside, but my heart raced when the door suddenly opened. I held my hand to my chest. When I recovered, I waved at them. “Hey, guys. How are you?”

  Mona shoved past Ben and stood in front of me with her hands on her hips. “Don’t you, hey guys, us. What are you doing here? And where is your car?”

  I winced, dreading the upcoming conversation. “My car is down the road because I didn’t want anyone to know I was here.”

  She studied me, looking me up and down. “Why are you dressed like that? Did you sleep here last night?”

  “No. I had a fight with Nate and left this morning before I had a chance to change. I’ve been out ever since, and I don’t want to go back there right now. I need some time to myself.”

  “Where have you been with your hair a mess and no makeup on?” She looked suspicious, not believing my explanation.

  “At the quarry.”

  “Of course you were. Should I tell Nate you go there when you want to be alone?”

  “No,” I answered a little too quickly.

  “I’ll leave you two to talk,” Ben said quietly as he let himself out the side door.

  After Mona watched him leave, she turned to me, her chocolate colored eyes filled with concern. “Spill it. What’s wrong?”

  “I already told you, we had a fight. I just need some space.” I stood up and wandered to the dishwasher to put my dishes inside.

  She stood in the center of the kitchen, eyeing me as I went. “Are you sure? Do you need to talk?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m fine, really. I’m going to stay here for a few days though, so please don’t attack me with the golf club.”

  She smirked, wrapping me in her arms. “I’m sorry that you’re fighting, but I’m so glad to have you back, even if it’s just for a few days.” I breathed in her gardenia scent and squeezed her back. I missed her so much.

  “Ugh! Megan you’re hurting me,” she gasped.

  I released her instantly, feeling horrified by my new strength. I couldn’t stand it if I hurt Mona, even accidentally.

  She gasped for air and narrowed her eyes. “What was that?” she asked.

  My mind was blank, and no good explanation popped into my mind. “I’ve been working out a lot.”

  She stepped back and eyed me suspiciously. “Okay.” She dragged the word out, not buying my explanation. Of course she was right. I had never worked out a day in my life. But how else was I supposed to explain my strength?

  I needed to get away from her before she pushed the issue. “Well, I’m tired.” I added a fake yawn. I’m going to go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.” I left her staring after me.

  I crawled into bed with the light out and my TV on mute. A quick glance at my phone showed that I had two calls and three texts, all from Lauren. I didn’t even read them. I wanted to close my eyes and forget my werewolf life, and it was easier to do in my family home. It felt like none of the past six months had happened. And although I still loved Nate, the feeling was refreshing. I turned the TV up and fell into a TV coma.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The Run

  She’s been gone for seven days, and it feels like she took my heart with her, Nate thought as he stood back to raise the axe. He loved the feeling when the metal sliced through the wood. The more power in the swing, the smoother the blade went through. It was something he used to do when he was upset. No matter how stressed or upset he was. Physical activity usually helped clear his head. He hadn’t needed to split wood since a year or two after he was turned into a werewolf. But after what he did to Megan, he had started it up again.

  He was so enraged by his careless actions. Letting the wolf take over like that was reprehensible. He was having a hard time living with himself. After he realized what he had done, he was fully prepared to grovel at Megan’s feet. But she was gone, and he let her go without a fight. He didn’t deserve her love. He had made her into a monster, and that was unforgivable. As soon as he finished texting her the day she left, he rushed to the shed to grab a chainsaw and an axe. Not that he needed wood; his family’s house, and his cottage were both heated with oil furnaces, not woodstoves. After seven days, he had four huge piles of split wood and a lot more space in the nearby woodland.

  The axe made a thwacking sound as it slid through the piece of oak like butter. Nate stood up and wiped the sweat from his brow. He glanced to the end of the driveway where Lauren was just pulling in. He sighed heavily, preparing for another argument with her. He set the axe down against a log and lifted his water bottle, taking a long drink. Lauren pulled to a stop and got out of her car.

  He watched her as she headed toward him, thankful that she was adjusting well to her new situation. Against Nate’s wishes, she hadn’t told her family yet about becoming a werewolf, but that was her business. It took a few days, but eventually, she began to except her new life. He started taking her for runs in the woods at night, and she was getting really good at her changes. They came easier the more she let the wolf out. He had learned the hard way that by ignoring the wild animal inside, it only fueled the savage cravings. Letting the fear of the pain stop you from turning regularly actually make the pain more unbearable when the full moon appeared. But changing frequently helped regulate the pain. Lauren finally believed him on the fou
rth night of changing when the pain had been much more manageable.

  Lauren still refused to let Joe go with them on their runs. Joe begged Nate to talk Lauren into changing her mind. But Nate knew Lauren; she wouldn’t back down. She would only let Nate help her with this transition. Nate didn’t think she was rejecting Joe; she just needed to deal with one thing at a time. She had gotten an extended holiday at school, but was planning on going back after the full moon. With his help, he hoped that she’d adjust better than he did when he was first turned all those years ago.

  “Hey,” she called as she walked up to him. She gaped at the wood piles behind him. “Have you ever heard of racquetball?” she asked, rolling her eyes.

  Nate furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”

  “When normal people are upset, they eat ice-cream or play a sport like racquetball.” She raised her hand in the direction of the wood. “They don’t take it out on poor helpless trees. What did they ever do to you?” A small smile flickered on her lips.

  He smirked at her. “Funny. Now what do you want?”

  “What do you mean? I’m here for our nightly run.”

  Was it that late already? He was so focused on the wood that he didn’t notice the sun dipping in the sky. “Are you going to let Joe come?” Nate asked, his lip turned up into another smirk.

  She scowled at him. “Are you going to call Megan?”

  His eyes narrowed and turned cold. “That’s different. I ruined her life. All Joe did was respect your father’s wishes.”

  She sighed. “How is Meg supposed to forgive you, if you just give up on her? You haven’t even tried to contact her. You didn’t even know where she was staying until I told you four days ago.”